Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dip with homemade potato chips as a starter and espresso braised short ribs for a main).
The setting is also notable; the restaurant is built right over the water at Van Isle Marina, a
large marina north of town off Resthaven Road.
Sidney Visitor Centre
(10382Hwy.17,250/656-0525,
www.sidney.ca
,9am-5pmdailyin
summer) is well signposted on the east side of Highway 17 as it passes through Sidney.
Officially,Sidneyisjust26kilometers (16miles) northofdowntownVictoria alongHigh-
way 17 (also known as Patricia Bay Hwy.), but allow at least 30 minutes to drive, or
40 minutes during busier times of day. The town makes a wonderful introduction to the
Vancouver Island when arriving by ferry from the mainland (see Getting There in the
Victoria chapter for details), with ferries docking 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of Sid-
ney at Swartz Bay.
Washington State Ferries
(206/464-6400, 250/381-1551, or 888/
808-7977,
www.wsdof.wa.gov/ferries
)
dockinSidney,withregularservicetotheSanJuan
Islands and on to Seattle (adult US$18, senior US$9, youth US$14.40, vehicle and driver
US$47.90).
Spread throughout the Strait of Georgia between mainland British Columbia and Van-
couver Island, this group of islands is within Canadian territory but linked geologically
to the San Juan Islands, immediately to the south. Five of the islands—Salt Spring, the
Penders, Galiano, Mayne, and Saturna—are populated, and each is linked to the outside
world by scheduled ferry service.
The mild, almost Mediterranean climate, beautiful scenery, driftwood-strewn beaches,
quaint towns, and wide-ranging choice of accommodations combine to make the islands
popular in summer, when laid-back locals share their home with flocks of visitors. Still,
there'splentyofroomtogetawayfromthehustle,withmileaftermileofremotecoastline
and easily reached peaks beckoning to be explored. After kayaking, biking, or hiking, the
best way to end the day is at one of the many island restaurants, feasting on salmon and
crab brought ashore that morning.
